Sam Altman is set to resume his role as CEO of OpenAI

The new board announces an “agreement in principle” for the return of the former CEO after a campaign by staff and investors

Sam Altman is set to return as the chief executive of OpenAI, following the announcement that the company has “reached an agreement in principle” for his reinstatement. This comes after days of internal turmoil sparked by Altman’s unexpected dismissal on Friday. Nearly all of OpenAI’s 750-strong workforce had threatened to resign unless the overseeing board reinstated him and subsequently stepped down.

Under the agreement reached overnight, a new-look board will be formed, chaired by Bret Taylor, the former co-chief executive of Salesforce. The board will include former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo, the tech entrepreneur and current board member who was involved in Altman’s dismissal.

OpenAI communicated on the X platform, formerly Twitter: “We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.”

Altman, although not reinstated on the board, promptly posted on X: “I love OpenAI, and everything I’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together.” He added: “I’m looking forward to returning to OpenAI.

The 38-year-old CEO was dismissed on Friday by the non-profit parent board of OpenAI, overseeing a commercial subsidiary led by him. His return was reportedly contingent on a board removal and a revamp of OpenAI’s governance. As part of the agreement, D’Angelo remains, while the other three board members will be replaced.

Microsoft, the major investor in OpenAI, advocated for Altman’s reinstatement. On Monday, Microsoft hired Altman and Greg Brockman, who resigned as OpenAI’s president on Friday, giving Altman a perceived leadership role. Brockman confirmed his return to OpenAI on X, stating, “we are so back” in a selfie with colleagues.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about the alterations to the OpenAI board on X, emphasizing it as a crucial initial move toward stable and effective governance. He highlighted discussions with Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, acknowledging their pivotal roles alongside the OpenAI leadership team in sustaining the organization’s success and advancing its mission. Nadella affirmed anticipation of strengthening the partnership to deliver the benefits of the next AI generation to customers and partners.

On Monday, OpenAI informed its staff about the ongoing intense discussions to reinstate Sam Altman. Anna Makanju, the Vice President of Global Affairs, conveyed that both parties were exploring mutually acceptable options and were scheduled for further discussions the following morning after everyone had some rest.

Altman’s reinstatement will mark him as OpenAI’s fourth CEO within five days. Initially replaced by Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer, as interim CEO, Altman saw Emmett Shear, co-founder of the video game-streaming platform Twitch, briefly appointed as a successor. In response to Altman’s surprise sacking, OpenAI plans to conduct an independent investigation into the events surrounding it. The board cited Altman’s failure to be “candid in his communications” as the reason for his dismissal, providing no further details. Shear refuted any connection between Altman’s removal and safety concerns, despite broader anxieties about the rapid pace of AI development.

Shear expressed deep satisfaction with Altman’s reinstatement on X, stating that this outcome prioritized safety and the interests of all stakeholders. He affirmed his contentment with being part of the resolution.

The departing board members include Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist, who endorsed the staff letter advocating for Altman’s return, along with Tasha McCauley, a tech entrepreneur, and Helen Toner, a director at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

Toner, on Wednesday, shared OpenAI’s statement on Altman’s reappointment, adding, “And now, we all get some sleep.